Dissolving Dreamcast Dreams


By Contributing Writer Jimmy Payne
   I think when a new system is introduced, there's an automatic tendency 
to "wow" over screen shots, specs, and so on. There's nothing wrong with 
that- that's what video games are all about. What's different this time is 
that this is the first time we have watched a Japanese launch this closely.
You know what I'm talking about: the Sega Dreamcast. When the PlayStation 
and Saturn launched, sure, we all cared. But I don't think there's been 
this much attention given to a new system since the 16-bit days. This can 
be very good for Sega- it gets early buzz going about the system, which is 
a year away from a US release. But it can be very bad for Sega, too, 
especially if the Japanese launch doesn't meet the expectations of everyone
watching. 
   I personally am very excited about the Dreamcast. It has got the power 
and the people to back it up, but wait a sec. Does it have the games? Of 
course, the games are the most important thing to a system. Without good 
games, a console is like a stereotypical cheerleader: a million-dollar body
(referring to the console) with a two-cent brain (referring to the games). 
After looking at screen shots and descriptions of the first Dreamcast games,
I have to say I wasn't too impressed. 
   First, there is Sega Rally 2. OK, does anyone really care about this 
game? The last thing I want to see is another racing game and this isn't 
even supposed to be an extraordinary racing game in the first place. Then 
there's Virtua Fighter 3 Team Battle. Once again, VF3 has been out for long
time, so why should I be excited about a fighting game that's obviously 
just a rehash with its only plus being great graphics? Godzilla Generations
looks kind of cool, but it's nothing new. Doesn't anyone remember Blast 
Corps? That game got too old, too quick and Godzilla Generations has the 
same idea: run around and crush buildings. I might find this fun if I were 
a kid with a love for destruction, but I want more depth in a game. Finally,
there's Sonic Adventures. Everyone from your neighbor's new-born hamster to
your uncle's old and dying camel is going to get this game if they happen 
to buy a Dreamcast. I'm not against this in any way, shape, or form though
because I want it badly too. 
   Some people don't remember the past well, though. I remember a little 
(well big actually) game called Mario 64 that everyone bought and everyone 
loved (hey, I did). But, I also remember that this was Nintendo's only 
spectacular game and all we were left with after this title were one 
awesome first-person shooter, a Zelda game (finally), and a slew of crappy 
racing games. I hate to say it, but the Dreamcast is looking a lot like the
Nintendo 64 at this point. Basically it's showing of its sparkle, 
demonstrating its power, creating a lot of hype, and appealing to its fans 
which is exactly what Nintendo did right before releasing the Nintendo 64. 
I don't want anyone to take this column the wrong way because I might be 
sitting in my basement next year playing and loving every single one of 
these games. I am going to be very cautious, however, because it looks like
the past is repeating itself. 
   Basically, what I'm trying to say is that I don't want Sega to hand me a
stereotypical cheerleader next year. Wait a minute! Yes I do! Well, you get
what I'm trying to say. Give it all you've got, Sega. Don't disappoint 
those watching and eagerly awaiting your next system and the games which 
will hopefully make it what we all hope it to be.

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